Corps construction to temporarily close Belle Chasse Tunnel

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District, has coordinated with Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and Plaquemines Parish Government to temporarily close the Belle Chasse Tunnel April 20 through April 23, 2012 in preparation to set new overhead roller gates at the entrance and exit of the tunnel.

This work is part of the Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System which reduces the risk associated with a storm surge event that has a one percent chance of occurring in any given year, or a 100-year storm surge.

"The tunnel will be temporarily closed beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Friday evening and re-opening Monday morning at 5:00 a.m. to allow workers to install beams from which the overhead roller gates will hang," said Ted Carr, project manager. "Two additional closures will occur within the next two months for the gate installation and testing."

A former special needs teacher is suspected of smoking pot and inappropriate text messaging with students. (Source: Raycom Media)

A former special needs teacher is suspected of smoking pot and inappropriate text messaging with students. (Source: Raycom Media)

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a former William Pitcher Junior High School special education teacher Thursday morning for allegedly smoking marijuana and sending inappropriate texts to students.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office arrested a former William Pitcher Junior High School special education teacher Thursday morning for allegedly smoking marijuana and sending inappropriate texts to students.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.

The organization predicted 10 to 16 tropical systems, with five to nine becoming hurricanes. One to four of those hurricanes is predicted to develop into major hurricanes of Category 3 strength or above.